Mirra Andreeva’s dream run continues – Defeats Elena Rybakina, reaches first WTA 1000 final

Mirra Andreeva claimed a remarkable victory over Elena Rybakina 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships semi-finals, advancing to her first WTA 1000 final while inching closer to a top-10 debut.

Andreeva has already defeated three Grand Slam champions in the tournament – including Marketa Vondrousova, Iga Swiatek, and Rybakina herself. She will seek her second professional title this Saturday against the winner between Karolina Muchova (No. 17) and Clara Tauson (No. 38).

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First set

Both players showed confidence on serve from the start, considering they are two of the most powerful servers on tour. With no major trouble, they remained level at 2-2 until serving issues emerged for both, as they struggled to land first serves. Andreeva (No. 14) secured a break on her first opportunity, but Rybakina (No. 7) immediately broke back in the following game, leveling at 3-3.

Mirra Andreeva reaches her first WTA 1000 final and assures herself, at least, a world No.11 ranking on Monday, her best career ranking so far.

The Russian teenager took more initiative in the rallies, effectively changing directions to unsettle Rybakina’s precision. Andreeva broke serve again and then saved a couple of break points to take the set 6-4.

Despite landing only 35% of first serves (winning 60% of those points), Andreeva managed to hold. Meanwhile, Rybakina had a slightly better 55% first-serve percentage, winning 59% of her service points.

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Second set

With Andreeva leading, both players sharpened their serves in the second set, which saw limited break opportunities. Rybakina wasted two break chances in the second game, but after that, neither player managed to pull ahead on serve.

Under pressure at 4-5, Andreeva double-faulted, handing her opponent a break opportunity. Rybakina capitalized on a strong exchange to take the set 6-4. This set highlighted both players’ serving strengths, especially Rybakina’s, as she won 77% of her service points compared to Andreeva’s 61%.

Rybakina now has a 10-4 record in the 2025 season. Her next challenge will be in Indian Wells, where she doesn't defend points.

Third set

Andreeva – who is not afraid to show her emotions on the court – looked particularly frustrated after the unexpected break and seemed to struggle to loosen up again during the third set. This cost her a relatively early break, putting Rybakina ahead 3-1.

A day earlier, Andreeva revealed that when she faced difficulties against Swiatek, her coach Conchita Martínez urged her to stay true to her game plan, and this time, it was the same. Constant angle changes, mixing in drop shots, and several down-the-line shots, which also forced Rybakina into some backhand errors. The teenager not only recovered the break but also won five consecutive games—saving four break points at 4-3.

Andreeva again showed that she can play like a much more experienced player. She was able to read Rbybakina when she made mistakes and remained resilient when the odds seemed stacked against her. The win ended 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 and she becomes the youngest player to reach the final of a WTA 1000 so far.

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